Wireless Identifier Detection via Access Point Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Device manufacturers have limited access to MAC addresses for third-party applications, hindering legitimate uses such as geo-location and user tracking due to privacy concerns.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods detect a user's MAC address by assuming proximity to a second electronic device using a wireless access point, allowing the MAC address to be used for geo-location while mitigating privacy concerns through anonymization and user permission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If device manufacturers limit MAC address access to third-party applications, then user privacy is protected, but legitimate uses such as geo-location and user tracking cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the wireless access point and the third-party application. The server receives MAC addresses from the access point, processes them, and provides anonymized identifiers to applications. This mediator enables geo-location functionality while protecting user privacy by preventing direct access to raw MAC addresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates anonymized copies of MAC address data that preserve the ability to track devices for geo-location purposes while removing personally identifiable information. The server generates pseudonymous identifiers that can be used for tracking without exposing actual MAC addresses to applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If third-party applications can access MAC addresses directly, then geo-location and tracking functions work properly, but user privacy concerns arise due to potential misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a trusted intermediary that decouples the geo-location functionality from direct MAC address access. Applications receive anonymized data from the server, enabling tracking without privacy risks. The server validates and processes all MAC address data before making it available to applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the essential tracking functionality from the raw MAC address data by creating anonymized identifiers. The server separates the useful tracking information from the personally identifiable MAC addresses, providing only the necessary data to applications while retaining privacy protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If MAC addresses are made inaccessible to applications, then privacy is protected, but the ability to perform legitimate tracking and geo-location is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The server creates anonymized copies of MAC address information that preserve tracking capability while removing privacy risks. These pseudonymous identifiers enable geo-location and tracking functions to operate effectively without exposing actual device identities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms MAC address data by changing its parameters - converting identifiable MAC addresses into anonymized identifiers through the server. This parameter transformation maintains the data's utility for tracking while eliminating personally identifiable information.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed implementations provide systems and methods for tracking a user device. The method includes receiving, from a respective application running on a first electronic device associated with a user, a request initiated by the user to affiliate with a second electronic device. In response to the request by the user to affiliate with the second electronic device, the method includes determining a wireless identifier of the first electronic device. After determining the wireless identifier of the first electronic device, the method includes receiving an indication that a second wireless access point, distinct from the first wireless access point, is in communication with the first electronic device of the user based on the second wireless access point detecting the wireless identifier of the first electronic device. The method further includes determining that the first electronic device of the user is proximal to the second wireless access point.